Bandeira de Mello In the driving seat
The seventh and final session of the FEI Sports Forum 2025 focused on the full revision of the Driving and Para Driving Rules. The panel consisted of Manuel Bandeira de Mello, FEI Director of Driving, Para Driving and Special Projects, and Mikael Rentsch, FEI Legal Director. The presentation outlined proposed updates to the rulebook and opened the floor to feedback from the community.
Full presentation of slides
Key Proposed Rule Changes:
1. CAI Formats:
- New competition formats are proposed for implementation at CAIs, allowing more flexibility and adaptation to different organisational needs.
- “We want to create formats that work for organisers and attract more participation without compromising the sporting values,” said Bandeira de Mello.
2. FEI Driving World Championship for Young Horses:
- A new rule framework will be introduced to cover regulations for this event, which has operated without formal inclusion in the rulebook.
- “The Young Horse Championship has been very successful, but it needs a proper legal foundation to grow further,” Bandeira de Mello added.
3. Officials – TDs and Stewards:
- Technical Delegates (TDs) are proposed to be removed from 1*, 2*, and 3* CAIs due to a shortage of qualified personnel.
- Stewards’ per diems: A minimum per diem will be included in the rules to ensure consistent treatment across events.
- “We know this is controversial, but it’s a necessary adjustment for the current reality of official availability,”Bandeira de Mello acknowledged.
4. Entries – Removal of Additional Individual Entries:
- To simplify entry systems and avoid logistical issues, the provision for additional individual entries will be removed.
5. Dressage Phase Revisions:
- New draw procedures for Championships and CAIOs.
- Implementation of a rotation system for dressage tests.
- Proposal to shorten the length of the dressage tests.
- Adjustments to the Athlete and General Impression mark.
- Review of arena size and the positioning of judges.
- “We believe these changes will make the sport more dynamic and viewer-friendly while preserving fairness for the athletes,” Bandeira de Mello explained.
6. Legal & Medical Updates (presented by Mikael Rentsch):
- Discussion of changes linked to rule alignment with FEI-wide medical standards.
- Focus on updating medical form use and reporting procedures for accidents.
Floor Discussion – Focus on Concerns and Clarifications
Hugh Scott-Barrett (GBR): “Removing TDs from 1*, 2*, 3* events feels like a step back. Who ensures that basic standards are upheld if we remove oversight at those levels?”
Fred Barrelet (SUI): “You’re saying there are not enough TDs—but shouldn’t we be investing in training more instead of removing the position entirely from lower levels?”
Marcie Quist (USA): “On the topic of young horses and CAIs, the proposal makes sense structurally, but can you clarify whether these tests will remain distinct from senior-level scoring criteria? Because consistency is essential for judges too.”
Unidentified Delegate (GER): “The rotation of dressage tests is welcome, but how will it affect judge consistency if we also shorten the tests? Will there be proper training and updated judging guidelines provided to go along with this?”
Manuel Bandeira de Mello: “The idea is to keep the quality high even as we make the sport more accessible. We believe that removing the TD from the lower levels won’t compromise safety if the rest of the officiating structure remains sound. But we hear your concerns loud and clear.”
Mikael Rentsch: “The removal of additional individual entries is a simplification step. It ensures fairness and reduces confusion—particularly in qualification-based events.”
Fred Barrelet: “There is still concern among officials that these streamlining efforts may increase the burden on remaining staff. We need strong communication and operational support to avoid burnout.”
Manuel Bandeira de Mello: “This is a fair point. We are reviewing stewarding allocations and per diems to support those who remain on duty. We’re not abandoning officials—we’re adapting. We’re also considering future online modules to accelerate TD education.”
Marcie Quist: “I think there’s general agreement on the direction, but we would like reassurance that educational and judging resources will be updated alongside these changes.”
Unidentified Delegate: “Are there any plans to add video replay or more tech support at Championships to aid with judging consistency—especially if dressage formats are rotating?”
Mikael Rentsch: “This is under discussion, especially in relation to the broader FEI digitalisation roadmap. We want to make these formats more robust and transparent.”
The session closed with an invitation to all stakeholders to submit written feedback. Final proposals will be reviewed and potentially amended before being presented for approval at the FEI General Assembly in November 2025.